Study in Canada

Canada has been a popular destination for a college education due to many reasons. Its universities are world-class, with five of those getting listed as one of the top 100 schools worldwide. Numerous job opportunities also provide a promising future for international students looking to stay in Canada.
With five universities listed as one of the top 100 schools worldwide, Canada has become one of the most preferred study destinations for international students. The country’s flexible education system, ever-evolving job market, and ethnically heterogeneous demographic composition are some of the parameters that helped Canada gain a global reputation.
While planning to study abroad, students look for several ways to manage their finances. Before we move on to whether Canada offers an option to gain free education or not, let’s start this blog by knowing the top Canadian universities. The top Canadian universities.
But with an outstanding academic performance achieved through hard work and constant diligence, you will have a better chance of preparing and submitting your college application early. You may apply for as many Canadian universities as you can and study in Canada for free through scholarships and awards in Canada.
Aside from scholarships and awards, Canada also has affordable universities you can apply to for practical reasons. While the tuition costs are cheaper compared to other universities in the country, you can still be assured that education is top-tier in these universities. With these options, studying in Canada for free is not too far from reality, regardless of your college level. Plus, you will be able to experience many great things Canada has to offer.
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Top universities in Canada
The below table shows the five most prominent universities of Canada
| University | QS World University Rankings 2023 | Annual Tuition fee |
| McGill University | 31 | Varies as per the discipline |
| University of Toronto | 34 | C$76,372 to C$92,066 |
| University of British Columbia | 47 | C$52,164 |
| University of Alberta | 110 | Varies as per the discipline |
| University of Montreal | 116 | Varies as per the discipline |
Source: University’s official website
Study in Canada for free: fully funded scholarships
Although no universities in Canada offer a tuition fee waiver to international students, it is possible to gain free education through fully-funded international scholarships. Some of the fully
funded scholarships offered by the top Canadian universities are mentioned in the table below.
| University | Scholarship | Eligibility criteria | Amount/Award/Coverage |
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships | International students enrolling in a full-time undergraduate study program | Full tuition and books coverage |
| University of Montreal | UdeM exemption scholarship program | International students are enrolling in a full-time study program at the university | Full tuition coverage |
| University of Alberta | President’s International Distinction Scholarship | International students showcase leadership qualities in their first year of undergraduate degrees | CA$120,000 for four years |
Source: Official websites

Are there Free Education in Canada for International Students?
The short answer is no. Simply put, there are no tuition-free universities in Canada for international students as stated before. There are no tuition-free universities even for Canadian students.
How to Apply for fully-funded scholarships in Canada
Now that you know that it is possible to gain free education in Canada by receiving scholarships from the universities, let’s learn about the study process in Canada for free –
- Take your time to research: The first step toward planning to study in a foreign country is doing your research about the opportunities it holds for international students. Your first step is to research the universities that offer fully-funded scholarships to international students.
- Choose your target university: After you are done with your research, select the university that you wish to apply to. The factors you should consider while choosing the university are the curriculum of your desired course and the financial aid offered to international students.
- Apply for the scholarship before its deadline: If your target university is offering you a scholarship based on specific criteria, you automatically become eligible for it without any application. However, if not, you must be mindful of the deadline for the need-based scholarship and submit your application before the deadline.
FAQs
Is it possible to study in Canada for free?
Generally, Canadian universities do not offer tuition fee waivers. Therefore, it is not possible to gain free education in Canada. However, some Canadian universities offer fully funded scholarships for international students. Examples of such universities are the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, etc. Check more details below.
How can I get a full scholarship in Canada?
Canadian universities grant fully funded scholarships to international students based on specific criteria. If you meet the criteria, you automatically become eligible for the scholarship. However, if not, you can apply for the need-based scholarship before the deadline of your chosen university.
How to Study Undergraduate in Canada for Free
Aside from the tuition cost, it is important to note that studying in Canada requires covering other living expenses and accommodation. While some universities offer scholarships for tuition costs, it is better to apply for scholarships that can cover your entire stay in the country, which will allow you to study in Canada for free.
The University of Toronto offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships for outstanding international students. The prestigious scholarship awards recipients full coverage on tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for the duration of their 4-year undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.
York University also lists several scholarship programs for international students, one of which is the International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction which grants $35,000 yearly renewable for up to 4 years.
Also, the University of British Columbia, another prestigious school in Canada, lists several merit-based and need-based scholarships and entrance awards for international applicants. The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award provides help proportional to the recipient’s current financial need. These scholarships can help you study for an undergraduate degree in Canada for free.
Carleton University also offers several entrance scholarships and awards to international students including the One Riordon Scholarship and One Collins Prestige Scholarship which cover full tuition costs. Meanwhile, all admitted international students accepted in Carleton University whose admission average is at least 80% are already considered for the Entrance Awards for International Students. This scholarship provides up to $4,000 annually renewable for up to four years.
How to Study Master’s in Canada for Free
Completing a Master’s degree in Canada will unquestionably look great on your curriculum vitae. It will also open more opportunities for your professional career. While it is generally costly to study a Master’s program in Canada, some universities offer scholarships to attract outstanding international students.
The University of Calgary lists several awards and scholarships from different providers on its website. Some of the awards available at the University of Calgary are the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships program which provides recipients with $26,000 for up to two years, and the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship which values at $11,000.
Meanwhile, McGill University in Quebec also lists some scholarships including the Arbour Foundation Scholarship, granting successful applicants up to $10,000, and the Weston Fellowship which awards $19,000, renewable once, to recipients. These university and federal scholarships provide opportunities for international students to pursue a Master’s degree for free in Canada.
The University of Manitoba offers its Graduate Fellowship program where successful applicants receive $14,000 annually for up to two years depending on their academic performance.
Study Ph.D. in Canada for Free
Canada also offers various scholarship and award programs to attract international students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship or UMGF includes Ph.D. students in their program. Successful applicants receive $18,000 yearly, renewable up to four years. Also, the university offers the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships valued at $50,000 annually for up to three years of doctoral studies.
The University of Calgary also offers the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, along with its Entrance Awards, which provide successful applicants $12,000 to $35,000 scholarship value, and the Izaak Walton Killam Doctoral Scholarship, which values at $36,000 for two years.
Lastly, the University of British Columbia offers the Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship with an annual value of $18,200 plus the tuition costs for four years of study. Through these scholarships, international students can study in Canada for free. Also, international students looking to pursue research education in Canada will have a better chance of completing their degrees, financially worry-free.